Next meeting in Flitwick will be at the Rufus Centre on Wednesday 12 December at 10,  our topic will be   nutrition,  introducing solids and weaning.
Next meeting at Peter Pan Children's centre will be on Tuesday 18 December at 10
http://www.surestartcauldwell.co.uk/la-leche.html

Meetings for the new year will be arranged soon,   watch this space
Helen

Response from La Leche League to:A Serial Qualitative Interview Study of Infant Feeding Experiences: idealism meets realism

The article published today by the British Medical Journal addresses important issues concerning the challenges many parents face in the early days of breastfeeding. Scientific evidence shows that exclusive breastfeeding for six months has many advantages for both a baby and mother. Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for at least the first six months of life. It is a living substance and adapts to fit the needs of each baby and it complements and boosts the immune system for as long as it is offered. If a baby has solids before he can digest them properly, at around six months, it can cause tummy problems and the nutrients will not be fully utilised. First foods are often low in iron and so are simply replacing the perfect food for babies with ones with fewer nutrients.

However, we live in a society in which breastfeeding is often perceived as difficult and although women “try” to breastfeed and think breast is best, formula is often seen as the norm. The report highlights the fact that some women do not get accurate breastfeeding information or enough support in the early days, and that when difficulties arise giving a bottle is often seen as the solution. LLL agrees that many women are often not prepared for the reality of the early days of breastfeeding and mothering. Many new mothers have never seen anyone breastfeed and are worried about how breastfeeding will fit into their lives. Women who attend groups run by breastfeeding support organisations get the chance to see other women breastfeed and talk about what life with a new baby is like, and often feel better prepared when difficulties arise.

The decision to breastfeed needs to be made by parents based on good information and once that decision is made, and for exclusive breastfeeding for six months to become the norm, women need good support afterwards. Six months can seem a very long time to a new mother and setting smaller goals along the way can be helpful. Sadly, many women decide to stop breastfeeding because of early difficulties, before they experience the benefits of breastfeeding and the pleasure it can be to exclusively nurse a child. For breastfeeding to become the norm in our society we need to have information on breastfeeding presented in schools as the normal way to feed a baby, accurate information about the realities of parenting and support and acceptance of breastfeeding in public spaces. In an ideal society women would not feel pressurised to breastfeed but would make a positive decision to do so, and feel supported in their choice. Although that may not yet be a reality for all women it is important to aim for it to become so.

Written by Anna Burbidge, on behalf of La Leche League GB March 14 2012

Our facebook group

We have a  private facebook group   which is open to those who are interested in breastfeeding  and La Leche League.   It gives us a chance to chat a bit inbetween meetings and get to know each other.  We usually  remind you of when meetings are and let you know if there are any changes
While the leaders of the group do try and  answer any questions quickly,  we are not always on facebook!  If your question is urgent you can  ring the helpline  0345 120 2918.    We are all volunteers answering the phone in our own home so do be patient,  you will get through eventually.  You might prefer to ask a leader by  a message so  your question is dealt with in private. 
Only leaders represent La Leche League,  you  may read all sorts of different ideas; every family is different,  just  try the ideas that sound as they might work for you.
We do not accept adverts but if you come across something you think other members might be interested in do share.   And  it is ok to ask questions  such as 'does anyone know of a baby swimming class on a tuesday', 'do you know a good place to get nursing bras in Bedford.'
Let one of the leaders know you want to join the group or look out for Friends of LLL Bedford and Luton [new group] on facebook and ask

2012 meetings in Flitwick at the Rufus centre

Meetings for the rest of the year in the Stocksfield Room at the Rufus Centre Flitwick directions here . There is good parking. Sometimes if there is an event we have to park a bit further away, but there is parking round the back of the building that not many people know about!

These are all on Wednesdays 10 - 12.30. We start off with a drink and a chat to get to know each other and catch up with news for about half an hour, then our meeting lasts for an hour and a half or so, giving us time to chat afterwards and browse the library. This is a public room so we do have to be out on time, but don’t worry if you are late, we understand that babies can make getting anywhere on time difficult, a warm welcome awaits you.   
Attending La Leche League meetings can help you learn about breastfeeding from other nursing mothers. Mothers share not only their questions and concerns but also benefits and joys of breastfeeding. Being in touch with La Leche League can give you the network of support you need. Babies and their big brothers and sisters are always welcome.

We try and tailor the content of the meeting to the needs of the mothers who come; we have a rolling series of meetings covering everything from deciding to breastfeed, through pregnancy, birth, family life, and on to introducing solids and breastfeeding ending; the discussion titles are only a starting point. We look forward to you raising any burning issues you might have

Wed 8 Feb

Wed 14 march

Wed 18 apr

Wed 16 may

Wed 20 june

Wed 18 july
August -  picnic date and location to be confirmed

Wed 12 sept

Wed 10 oct

Wed 14 nov

Wed 12 dec